Phantoms Fall to Bears, Ending Calder Cup Championship Hopes

HERSHEY, Pa. — The Lehigh Valley Phantoms‘ season ended on Sunday with a 4-2 defeat to the Hershey Bears in Game 5 of the Atlantic Division Semifinals at the Giant Center. This loss dashed the Phantoms’ hopes for the Calder Cup championship.

The Bears advanced to the Atlantic Division Finals to face the Charlotte Checkers. They are the two-time defending Calder Cup champions and started strong, scoring early in the game.

Spencer Smallman opened the scoring for Hershey just five minutes into the match. Riley Sutter added another goal before the first period concluded, giving the Bears a 2-0 lead. Sutter scored again in the second period, extending the Bears’ lead to 3-0.

The Phantoms fought back in the third period. Anthony Richard netted a goal, and with just over six minutes left, Hunter McDonald scored to bring the Phantoms within one. However, Bogdan Trineyev sealed the outcome with an empty-net goal in the final minutes.

This Game 5 matchup reminded fans of the 2017 Atlantic Division Semifinals, where the Phantoms also faced the Bears in a decisive Game 5, ultimately losing 3-2 at home.

The Phantoms had entered Game 5 leading the series 2-1, but Hershey quickly took control. Despite the Phantoms’ performance during the regular season, where they went 5-4-1 against the Bears, they fell short in the playoffs.

The Phantoms, historically successful as the Philadelphia Phantoms, have not won the Calder Cup since relocating to Lehigh Valley. Their last championships were in 1998 and 2005.

Meanwhile, the Bears’ victory places them in the finals against Charlotte, who also advanced after defeating the Providence Bruins 5-2 earlier that day.

Game details from May 11, 2025: Lehigh Valley: 0 0 2 – 2; Hershey: 2 1 1 – 4.